Burbank Police Foundation Bocce Ball Tournament

This annual tournament supports the Matthew Pavekla Scholarship, providing six $4,000 scholarships to local high school seniors and children of Burbank Police Officers. The day includes friendly bocce competition, great food, and time spent with members of the Burbank Police Department. We’re glad to be part of an event that invests directly in local students and their future.

The Burbank Police Foundation Bocce Ball Tournament is an annual fundraising event to support the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Awards Program. The Purpose of the Matthew Pavelka Scholarship Fund is to provide an award for high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding effort in pursuit of a vocational or educational goal, to motivate students to dedicate themselves more thoroughly and responsibly to their education or training and to encourage students to strive for excellence and distinction in whatever they undertake. In the process, we hope to give back to the community which supports us, as well as keep Matt’s memory alive.

The tournament was created by one of the founders of the Burbank Police Foundation and Immediate Past President, Michael Hastings.

Former Burbank Mayor Michael Hastings remembers setting up an outpost that night at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, helping Burbank officers coordinate with each other while staying update on the wounded officer’s progress.  Michael’s experience that night, and the weeks that followed, led to his passion and commitment to never forget the ultimate sacrifice Matthew made, and to remember the law enforcement officers that protect our community everyday.

“When they pronounced Matt dead, that was probably the most emotional day in my life,”  Hastings said.  “Tears were shed everywhere.”